Photo By Staff Sgt. Shawn Casey | Kosovo Security Force cadets conduct the head-tilt, chin-lift’ method on U.S. Army Soldiers during a medical training event near Istok, Kosovo, Jan. 10. The purpose of the event was to provide hands-on medical training to Soldiers and cadets so they can treat potentially injured troops and evacuate them to the next higher level of care.
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Working over the course of two days, Soldiers and cadets worked through scenarios including providing treatment for breathing, bleeding and chest decompression while in an area surrounded by notional adversaries.

U.S. Army Capt. Jonathan Byrd, the commander for HHC, 4/25IBCT (ABN), planned and organized the training.

“The purpose of the [event] was to increase the capability and confidence in the Soldiers’ and cadets’ ability to treat potentially injured [personnel] and evacuate them to the next higher level of care,“ said Byrd.

Both Soldiers and KSF cadets strive to remain proficient in medical training and the event provided the perfect opportunity to put that training to the test in a controlled environment.

“We saw an opportunity for us to come together and conduct a joint [event where] we were able to accomplish the same focus,” said Byrd.

This was also the first time some of the newer KSF cadets were able to apply what they learned in previous medical training outside the classroom.

“Until now, we have only done this in class,” said Cadet Ardiana Bajraliu, a cadet from the University Study Center. “Here you have the pressure and you need to think fast and move forward. I was the team leader and had to make sure everyone knew what was happening and give out orders. It was cool and also a great responsibility, something I haven’t experienced until today.”

Company F, 5th Battalion (General Support), 159th Aviation Regiment, a U.S. Army Reserve unit from Clearwater, Florida and the medical evacuation element for MNBG- E, supported the exercise with a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter.

“The helicopter landed and the crew gave the Soldiers and cadets training on how to approach and conduct missions in and around an aircraft,” said Byrd.

The UH-60 then hovered as the Soldiers were lifted into the Black Hawk using a double rescue seat.

“The hoist training was exciting,” said Bajraliu. “When I get out of the academy I want to study aviation so [this was] a great opportunity to see a helicopter work.”

The overall event joined people from different regions of the world and gave both the Soldiers and the cadets a chance to work together for the purpose of saving lives while getting a glimpse into the culture of each side.

“I think it’s an outstanding opportunity for us to be able to work together,” said Byrd. “The skills they will learn [will] … carry over to any operation we will have to conduct in the future.”